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Solar Stik®, Inc. | Tailored Hybrid Power System

Tailored Hybrid Power System: Expeditionary Power Solution for Austere Environments in an Era of Fiscal Austerity

White Paper

AuthorRonaldo LachicaChief Warrant Officer 4, United States Army Retired

i Solar Stik®, Inc. | Tailored Hybrid Power System

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About the Author

Ronaldo Lachica retired from the U.S. Army in March 2013 and immediately started working

for Solar Stik as a Business Development Representative, with the goal of contributing to

the implementation of DoD’s Operational Energy (OE) Strategy. His primary duty is to interact

with military units, Program/Project Offices, and OE policy and decision makers, conveying

expeditionary power requirements to Solar Stik’s executive and engineering teams. CW4

Retired Lachica has extensive experience providing tactical electric power and logistical

support to operational military units, including during two combat tours. In the early stages of

Operation Iraqi Freedom, CW4 (R) Lachica established and managed the electrical power grid

for a forward operating base (FOB). The grid supplied over 1.5 megawatts of power to support

the best possible living conditions for 4,500 troops. CW4 (R) Lachica realized the challenges

of transporting fuel to distant Combat Outposts (COPs) during his next combat deployment

to Iraq. Army Sustainment Magazine published an article by CW4 (R) Lachica that explores

contemporary military energy issues and strategic plans for improvement and culture change.

CW4 (R) Lachica holds a Master of Science degree in Logistics Management from Florida

Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from

Fayetteville State University. CW4 (R) Lachica’s military education includes the Theater Logistics

Planner Course, Warrant Officer Staff Course, Engineer Equipment Repair Technician Advance

Course, and Power Generation Equipment Repairman Advance Course.

226 W. King Street

St. Augustine, FL 32084

800.793.4364

www.solarstik.com

iiSolar Stik®, Inc. | Tailored Hybrid Power System

Executive SummaryLessons learned from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan confirm the growing importance of energy

with corresponding increases in consumption. Satisfying the increased demand for fossil fuels in support

of contingency operations had cost lives, money, and operational effectiveness. Generators are the biggest

consumers of fuel on the battlefield. This paper introduces the Tailored Hybrid Power System (THPS). It

explains the principles of scalability, modularity, mobility, autonomy, and durability, and shows how meeting

these five principles can decrease the frequency of fuel resupply operations that expose the Warfighter

to avoidable risks and take critical assets away from the fight. This paper also recommends a tiered

procurement concept for THPS solutions that is in line with the Agile Acquisition Strategy and Better Buying

Power (BBP) initiatives. BBP initiatives aim to increase efficiencies in the acquisition process in order to

“deliver better value to the taxpayer and Warfighter” by placing emphases on tailoring and alternative models

for how to structure programs.

A THPS reduces fuel consumption and runtime of fossil fuel generators

by sourcing stored energy first and maximizing renewable power

generation. However, renewable power systems are expensive and

Department of Defense (DoD) can’t afford to allocate the equipment for

a hybrid power system to every authorized diesel generator. Renewable

power technologies also have a short life cycle and move at a pace

faster than the traditional acquisition process. Military units are expected

to operate in different types of operational environments that require hybrid power solutions of varying scales

and configurations. The Warfighter needs equipment that can be tailored for requirements generated from

energy-informed decisions during mission analysis and operations planning. Instead of developing and

procuring a locked-in hybrid power solution through the traditional acquisition process, DoD should follow

an Agile Acquisition Strategy with less defined parameters, enabling the procurement of increasing and

continuously evolving THPS components. DoD can ensure there are just enough THPS components for

units to train with on a rotational basis according to their training cycle or higher headquarters’ priorities. The

Warfighter can gain familiarity with hybrid power systems at a minimum but be fully trained when they need

it most. The Warfighter will become confident in the effectiveness of hybrid power systems and be better

trained to select the optimum hybrid power configurations for any operational environment.

The U.S. Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) deployed several commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hybrid

power systems in support of contingency operations. These hybrid power solutions satisfied critical power

requirements at austere locations, while at the same time reduced fuel consumption and reliance on

ground and aerial resupply. The Marine Corps initiated the Mobile Electric Hybrid Power Sources (MEHPS)

program to pave the way for supplementing power generating equipment used in expeditionary operations.

Project Manager Mobile Electric Power (PM MEP), in partnership with Marine Corps Systems Command

(MARCORSYSCOM), will coordinate MEHPS development for worldwide DoD fielding. MEHPS is a program

that will enhance the expeditionary effectiveness of the U.S. military and should receive continued funding

for development and procurement. The developmental costs for MEHPS can be significantly reduced by

adopting COTS hybrid power solutions deployed by REF that have a successful and proven track record

and already meet the five principles of a THPS. This is a critical consideration in today’s budget-constrained

environment. Agile Acquisition with integrated logistics support similar to traditional acquisition process

solutions will provide the Warfighter with the latest hybrid power capability for operations now and in future

security environments where traditional fuel availability and logistics may be compromised.

The Warfighter needs equipment that can be tailored for requirements generated from energy-informed decisions during mission analysis and operations planning.

iii Solar Stik®, Inc. | Tailored Hybrid Power System

Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Principles of a THPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Scalability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Modularity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Autonomy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Reliability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Tiered Procurement Concept for the THPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Works Cited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

1Solar Stik®, Inc. | Tailored Hybrid Power System

Tailored Hybrid Power System: Expeditionary Power Solution for Austere Environments in an Era of Fiscal Austerity

IntroductionLessons learned from combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan confirm the growing

importance of energy with corresponding increases in consumption. Operation

Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) also exposed the

increasing costs and vulnerabilities of transporting energy from the strategic level

all the way down to the last tactical mile.1 In response, the Capstone Concept for

Joint Operations specifically recommends the reduction in Operational Energy (OE)

requirements and development of viable alternative energy sources as significant

considerations in building the Future Force. Fuel consumption of power generating

equipment represents the largest portion of the U.S. Army’s energy utilization on the

battlefield according to the Defense Science Board Task Force on Energy Strategy.

The development and fielding of a tailored hybrid power system (THPS), facilitated

by improved energy management, will reduce fuel consumption and consequently

decrease the frequency of fuel resupply operations that expose the Warfighter to

avoidable risks and take critical assets away from the fight. The 2014 Quadrennial

Defense Review (QDR) states that “energy improvements enhance range, endurance,

and agility, particularly in the future security environment where logistics may be

constrained.” To better serve the taxpayer—and more importantly the Warfighter—the

development and fielding of a THPS should proceed on a similar Agile Acquisition2

path implemented for modernizing the military’s tactical communications network.

The U.S. Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) deployed several commercial off-

the-shelf (COTS) hybrid power systems in support of contingency operations. This

was undertaken as part of REF’s Energy to the Edge (E2E) initiative. E2E allowed for

the expedited delivery of alternative power solutions to the Warfighter conducting

operations in remote locations otherwise known as “the tactical edge.” These hybrid

power solutions satisfied critical power requirements at distant Forward Operating

Bases (FOBs), Combat Outposts (COPs), Patrol Bases (PBs), Observation Posts

(OPs), and Village Stability Platforms (VSPs) while at the same time reducing fuel

consumption and reliance on ground and aerial resupply. The immediate positive

impact of E2E demonstrated the potential to save fuel, money, and countless lives.3

1 DoD consumed nearly 5 billion gallons of fuel conducting military operations in 2010, costing $13.2 billion, a 255% increase over 1997 prices. More than 3,000 Army personnel and contractors were wounded or killed in action from attacks on fuel and water resupply convoys in Iraq and Afghanistan from FY 2003 to FY 2007. (DoD Operational Energy Strategy, 2011, pp. 4-5.)

2 MG Dennis Moran (USA, Ret.), VP of Harris Communications, argues for Agile Acquisition in a December 9, 2013, blog for C4ISR Net.

3 The AMMTIAC-WSTIAC Journal, Volume 2, Number 1, provides real-world examples of successfully integrating hybrid power systems to ongoing combat operations. One OP had reported savings of 35 gallons of fuel per day while providing 100% operational capability.

The development and fielding of a tailored hybrid power system (THPS), facilitated by improved energy management, will reduce fuel consumption and consequently decrease the frequency of fuel resupply operations that expose the Warfighter to avoidable risks and take critical assets away from the fight.

Solar Stik®, Inc. | Tailored Hybrid Power System2

The Marine Corps Expeditionary Energy Office (E2O) initiated the Mobile Electric

Hybrid Power Sources (MEHPS) program to pave the way for supplementing power

generating equipment used in expeditionary operations. MEHPS aims to increase

the operational effectiveness, endurance, and capability of a Marine Air Ground

Task Force (MAGTF) by reducing the logistical burden of fuel resupply and generator

maintenance. Results from the MEHPS Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) determined that

it can close five capability gaps identified in USMC’s Expeditionary Energy, Water,

and Waste (E2W2) Initial Capabilities Document (ICD). MEHPS would enable the

automatic matching of load to demand and of power production to consumption.

MEHPS would also have the capability to efficiently integrate multiple energy sources,

harvest renewable energy, and provide scalable energy storage. USMC had previously

deployed solar powered generating systems, such as the Ground Renewable

Expeditionary Energy Network System (GREENS), as Program of Record (POR)

solutions for low power applications. MEHPS is intended as the POR solution for

reducing fuel consumption of higher power applications.4

The Department of Defense (DoD) published its Operational Energy (OE) Strategy

in May 2011 with the goal of ensuring the 21st century Warfighter has the energy

needed to conduct missions across the range of military operations (ROMO). E2E and

MEHPS are among the many programs that support the three principal approaches

outlined in the OE Strategy aimed at providing energy independence to the Warfighter.

Comprehensive and conclusive data on COTS hybrid power solutions deployed

through E2E should have significant influence on MEHPS development. Combat

proven E2E solutions do not require significant research and development (R&D) to fill

current and future OE capability gaps.

4 USMC presented a MEHPS Brief to Industry on 31 January 2013 at Marine Corps Base Quantico. The briefing identified ExFOB 2013, held in May, as the event that would monitor system performance of available hybrid power systems from industry and inform the requirements development phase.

“By 2025, we will deploy Marine Expeditionary Forces that can maneuver from the sea and sustain C4I and life support systems in place; the only liquid fuel needed will be for mobility systems which will be more efficient than systems are today.”- USMC Expeditionary Strategy and

Implementation Plan, March 2011

3Solar Stik®, Inc. | Tailored Hybrid Power System 3

Principles of DoD Operational Energy Strategy

• More fight, less fuel: Reduce the demand for

energy in military operations

• More options, less risk: Expand and secure

the supply of energy to military operations

• More capability, less cost: Build energy

security into the future force

Source: DoD Operational Energy Strategy (May 2011)

The MEHPS Brief to Industry identified four categories of

systems (see Table 1) with increasing peak power ratings,

as well as varying attributes and transport requirements. The

categories range from the smallest, designed for the most

austere Tier I conditions, to the largest for more established

Tier 3 FOBs. The smallest category is intended to be man-

portable while the two medium categories allow for all or some

components on a Light Tactical Trailer (LTT). Energy storage

is considered as an attribute for all but the largest category.

The capability to harvest energy from solar is a considered

attribute of the two smallest categories.5 The capability to

automatically start and stop the generator is an essential

power management feature of efficient hybrid power systems

and therefore a common attribute of all categories of MEHPS.

Project Manager Mobile Electric Power (PM MEP), in partnership with Marine Corps

Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), will coordinate MEHPS development for

worldwide DoD fielding and eventually manage the life cycle of resulting hybrid power

systems.6 Product Manager Small Power Systems (PdM SPS), an office within PM

MEP, spearheads the joint effort to develop MEHPS Lightweight and MEHPS Medium.

MEHPS Microgrid Medium and MEHPS Microgrid Heavy will build on current U.S.

Army efforts of developing a more efficient tactical microgrid.

MEHPS is a program that will enhance the expeditionary effectiveness of the U.S.

military and should receive continued funding for development and procurement.

However, MEHPS development should not follow the traditional POR acquisition

process. Renewable power technologies have a short life cycle, much like tactical

communications systems, and move at a pace faster than the traditional POR

process. The Agile Acquisition process focuses on non-developmental items (NDIs)

that require minor modifications of commercially available products to meet military

requirements.7 COTS hybrid power systems deployed by the REF are essentially NDIs.

Agile Acquisition with integrated logistics support similar to traditional Program of Record solutions will provide the Warfighter with the latest hybrid power capability.

5 Solar is the most technologically advanced renewable energy source. The most efficient utilization of solar power technology for tactical operations is for distributed operations up to 10 kW continuous. (Stikopedia, 2016.)

6 George Jagels, “Solving Austerity,” DoD Power Energy & Propulsion. November 2013. p. 3

Peak Power Attributes Transport Requirements

MEHPS Lightweight 3 kW- Auto-control of single generator- Energy storage- Solar

Each component does not exceed four-man lift

MEHPS Medium 10 kW- Auto-control of single generator- Energy storage- Solar

All components on LTT

MEHPS Microgrid Medium 60 kW- Auto-control of multiple generators- Energy storage

Control and energy storage on LTT

MEHPS Microgrid Heavy 300 kW - Auto-control of multiple generators Forklift-able

Table 1: MEHPS Family of Systems

Source: MEHPS Brief to Industry (Jan 2013)


The solutions with a successful and proven E2E track record are best poised to fulfill

MEHPS requirements in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. This is a critical

consideration in today’s budget-constrained environment. This paper will use the

Solar Stik System to illustrate some of the THPS’ major principles. While there were

other proven solutions, this author is most familiar with the Solar Stik solutions. Agile

Acquisition with integrated logistics support similar to traditional POR solutions will

provide the Warfighter with the latest hybrid power capability. Using NDI is compatible

with the concept of the THPS that must be incorporated in the MEHPS program to

deliver the most affordable, applicable, and effective expeditionary power solution.

The THPS is also compatible with the concept of OE General Support (GS) outlined

by LTG Raymond Mason, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, G-4 (Logistics) in the

September 2013 issue of Army Magazine. OE GS calls for the right sizing of power

generation equipment for deploying and deployed units based on conditions on the

ground.

Principles of a THPSThe U.S. military’s manual for joint operations describes an environment

“characterized by uncertainty, complexity, and rapid change” with our fighting

forces engaged “in a wide variety of activities, tasks, missions, and operations that

vary in purpose, scale, risk, and combat intensity.” The warfighter is expected to

operate across the full spectrum of METT-TC conditions, from the most austere to

the more robust, on desert or tropical terrain, and as part of small self-sustaining

teams or much larger formations. A THPS must meet five key principles that help

ensure success for the soldier, marine, sailor, or airman in the energy-constrained

environment of ongoing and future operations. These principles are scalability,

modularity, mobility, autonomy, and reliability. Figure 1 is a schematic representation

of an E2E deployed hybrid power system that has demonstrated tremendous

and immediate benefit to the Warfighter because its system architecture adheres

to the five key principles required of a THPS. Hybrid power systems contains

Power Generation, Energy Storage, and Power Management components. Power

Generation components include fossil fuel generators and renewable power sources.

Energy Storage is essentially a battery bank. Power Management components can

include a Power Management Module, Power Distribution Module, and Solar Charge

Controllers. THPS Power Management components should allow for “smart” system

operation.8

7 Dennis Moran, “The DoD’s New Competitive Environment,” C4ISR & Networks. December 9, 2013.

8 The AMMTIAC-WSTIAC Journal, Volume 2, Number 1, provides a summary of the “smart” hybrid system. Stikopedia (www.solarstik.com/stikopedia) provides more detailed information.

Tailored Hybrid Power Systems must meet five key principles that help ensure success for the soldier, marine, sailor, or airman in the energy-constrained environment of ongoing and future operations. These principles are scalability, modularity, mobility, autonomy, and reliability.

The solutions with a successful and proven track record during Operation Enduring Freedom are best poised to fulfill MEHPS requirements in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.


Figure 1 - E2E deployed Hybrid Power System

ScalabilityThe Hybrid Power System depicted in Figure 1 can be expanded or contracted

based on application and requirements. Adding or subtracting components is

enabled by Plug & Play operation. An additional 3.0 kW Tactical Quiet Generator

(TQG) can be “stacked” to the existing generator to double the power output.

More batteries can be daisy-chained for additional energy storage.

The initial entry phase of an operation might only allow for the hybrid configuration

depicted in Figure 2, which still provides significantly more operational endurance

than deploying with just the small tactical generator. The battery-based, power-

on-demand THPS architecture supplies the load with only the exact amount of

power required and only when needed. Generator runtime and fuel consumption

are reduced because the generator comes on only when the batteries are not

able to support the load. The TQG also operates at maximum utilization because

all power produced is for immediate load consumption or stored in the batteries

for later use.

The Warfighter can later expand the equipment set to the configuration

depicted in Figure 3 if necessary, as the situation on the ground clarifies.

System components can be added or removed based on application or load

requirements. The generator can even be removed in situations when solar

power generated is sufficient to support the load and keep the batteries charged.

A THPS can easily be scaled to support continuous load requirements and the

initial or intermittent peak loads.

Figure 2 - Example of Hybrid System for Initial Entry Operations

Power Management Module

MEP-831A Generator

Battery Bank

The battery-based, power-on-demand THPS architecture supplies the load with only the exact amount of power required and only when needed.

Solar Array

Solar ChargeController


Power DistributionModule

MEP-831A Generator

LOADS

Battery Bank


Figure 3 - Example of Hybrid System for Follow-on Operations

ModularityA THPS should have an open architecture

that allows for the integration of existing and

future technologies of varying types and

different sources. This would provide the

Warfighter the greatest operational flexibility.

Figure 4 illustrates the concept of modularity.

The type of solar panel in the system can be

based on the situation or what is available.

The THPS should be able to harvest energy

from any solar panels, either the ones already

in DoD’s inventory, or newer versions from

future procurement. The MAGTF Commander

might find that the greater man-portability

provided by a solar array utilizing RolaTube

technology is best for the current mission.9

On the other hand, the Commander for a

Brigade Combat Team (BCT) with a static

power requirement might opt for a solar array utilizing Solar Stik technology that allows for two axes of panel rotation for

maximum power generation.10 The Warfighter should also have the option to generate power from wind or another renewable

source if the situation permits. The type and size of the generator in the system can also vary. The THPS should also be able

to incorporate different types of battery chemistries. The best tailored hybrid power solution for an arid environment in the

African continent is not necessarily the best tailored hybrid power solution for a tropical region in the Pacific Rim. The key to

the THPS is a Power Management Module that can integrate various components with little to no manipulation.

The buildup of forces associated with sustained combat or stability operations will likely lead to the arrival of Prime Power

capability. The modularity and scalability features of the THPS allows for its use as backup power to critical Mission Command

platforms or to meet spot generation requirements once displaced by Prime Power or Host Nation grid.

Solar Array



MEP-831A Generator

LOADS

Battery Bank

9 The PAM Expedition panels provide roll-up deployment of the system, enabling a lighter and more compact form factor. (RolaTube Technology, 2013).

10 Adjustment of the vertical and horizontal axes three times a day maximizes sun exposure. Adjustment is made by moving a pin and can be done in less than a minute. (Stikopedia, 2016).

Figure 4 - Hybrid System depicting multiple power sources

Solar Stik 400



Power DistributionModule

MEP-802A Generator

LOADSISPCA

PAM

Battery Bank


MobilityA THPS should enable the Warfighter the flexibility to tailor an

expeditionary power solution based on transportation requirements.

Initial entry or the early stages of a quick reaction engagement

have smaller power requirements but would also have limited

transportation support. An airborne or air assault operation might

initially be supported by flexible solar panels as opposed to rigid

panels. Follow-on forces will likely have the capability to deploy with

a trailer-mounted hybrid power system.

AutonomyA THPS should have the capability to harvest energy from any

source available whether renewable, vehicular, grid, or traditional

generators. Solar is the most prevalent renewable energy source

but is not consistently available. The Commander might deem it

best to use the Host Nation grid as the primary source but would

require a THPS solution for backup power. The THPS incorporates

multiple power systems to form a single power source. Power

Generation, Energy Storage, and Power Management components

work in concert to ensure the most operationally effective source

is used first. This would provide the Warfighter a highly robust

uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and enable self-sufficiency.

A THPS would typically prioritize the use of renewable energy first

over fossil fuel generators, thus reducing both fuel and generator

maintenance requirements. The THPS effectively reduces the

requirement for fuel handlers and generator mechanics on the

battlefield, as well as additional personnel to support and protect

them. This is highly beneficial to our future ground forces, which

according to the 2014 QDR “will no longer be sized to conduct

large-scale prolonged stability operations.” A THPS helps provide

for a joint force that has more teeth and less tail.

The autonomy feature of the THPS best exemplifies the return

on investment (ROI) offered by hybrid power systems. The “free

energy” from renewable sources accumulated over time is evident

and can be calculated, but less obvious is the ROI from eliminating

power disruptions to critical systems. The immediate ROI from a life

or limb saved because a fuel resupply convoy was not conducted

might not be quantifiable, but arguably exists. ROI is also gained

from mitigating reputational risks in our security cooperation

engagements by reducing the impact to the energy supply of

partner nations.

Power Generation, Energy Storage, and Power Management components work in concert to ensure the most operationally effective source is used first. This would provide the Warfighter a highly robust uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and enable self-sufficiency.


ReliabilityA THPS should be manufactured of durable components requiring minimum maintenance. It

should be designed and built for use in the most extreme conditions: excessive desert heat, salt

water, snow, ice, and wind. The THPS inherently enhances the reliability of the generator in the

system by extending its operational life as a result of reduced downtime. A THPS also enhances

the reliability of the sensitive electronic equipment it powers by eliminating power surges.

A THPS should have a Power Management Module that can adapt to the fast pace of hybrid

power system technology. The Power Management Module should be “smart” enough to

incorporate past, present, and future technologies with minimum or no modifications.

“I’m trying to make a very big point that there’s not just one size or one way to set up a program. There are some basic things that you have to do in almost any program, but beyond that you have to look at the nature of the product and factors like operational urgency ... then lay out a program that makes sense for the product.”

- Frank Kendall, U.S. Undersecretary for Defense Acquisition, Technology and Logistics

Tiered Procurement Concept for the THPSRenewable power systems are expensive and DoD can’t afford to allocate the

equipment for a hybrid power system to every authorized diesel generator. Military

units will encounter different types of METT-TC conditions. MEHPS should not

be restricted to four one-size-fits-all categories with predetermined capabilities. A

Marine Infantry Company with a 3.0 kW TQG will have different MEHPS Lightweight

considerations than an Army Stryker Infantry Company with its own 3.0 kW TQG.

The MEHPS Medium solution for a desert environment will not be the best MEHPS

Medium solution for a tropical region. The right answer is a tailored hybrid power

solution borne out of energy-informed decisions during mission analysis and

operations planning. There should not even be a final solution because the THPS

enables on-the-ground adjustments to be made as the situation changes or power

requirements are better defined.

Instead of procuring a locked-in MEHPS solution through the traditional POR process,

DoD should follow an Agile Acquisition Strategy with less defined parameters.

Instead of purchasing set numbers of the final MEHPS Lightweight or MEHPS

Medium solutions, DoD should procure increasing and continuously evolving THPS

components. Instead of providing an authorized hybrid power system to units, DoD

should ensure there are enough THPS components in each installation for units

to train on and in prepositioned stocks to draw from in the event of a contingency

operation. Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms employed

remotely and away from the tactical grid should have their own THPS solutions when

they arrive in theater and join the fight. The Pentagon codifies the implementation of

its Better Buying Power (BBP) initiatives with the recent revision of DoD Instruction

(DoDI) 5000.02, DoD’s acquisition policy manual. BBP initiatives aim to increase

efficiencies in the acquisition process in order to “deliver better value to the taxpayer

and Warfighter.” The current DoDI 5000.02 emphasizes tailoring and alternative

models for how to structure programs.


The traditional POR process would typically produce a MEHPS Lightweight with one

type of solar panel and likely the same one for MEHPS Medium. An Agile Acquisition

Strategy allows for the procurement of more than one type of solar panel. METT-

TC should dictate what type of solar panels are employed, or whether they should

be employed at all. DoD will likely choose lithium batteries for Energy Storage, but

a case can be made that lead-acid batteries are more efficient and cost effective in

situations when weight is not a major consideration; why not provide the Warfighter

both options? The strategy for developing and procuring a hybrid power system,

however, should aim at the development of one Power Management Module

that can incorporate different types of renewable and fossil fuel power generating

equipment, as well as diverse battery chemistries. This would be an intelligent Power

Management Module that includes all the features of the “smart” hybrid power system

and supports both legacy equipment and next-generation technologies. The Power

Management Module is really the only component besides the traditional generator

that needs to be listed in a unit’s equipment authorization document.

Military units can have THPS components available to them as Pre-deployment

Training Equipment (PDTE). The types and quantity should be based on the likely

missions or geographic alignment of the units. A typical PDTE warehouse can have

the following THPS components at a minimum:

• Solar array with RolaTube technology for Tier 1 environment and mobile

applications

• Solar array with Stik technology for Tier 3 environment and static application

• Flexible solar panels for small teams with small power requirements

• Energy Storage components

• Power Management Module for units that do not have one authorized

or on hand

• Generators for units that do not have one authorized or on hand

• Trailer-based hybrid power system

Units can train on this equipment on a rotational basis according to their training cycle

or higher headquarters’ priorities. The Warfighter can gain familiarity with hybrid power

systems at a minimum but be fully trained when they need it most. Units can develop

techniques, tactics, and procedures (TTP) that maximize the benefits of a THPS. The

Warfighter will gain confidence on the effectiveness of his equipment only through

proper training. The reduction in fuel consumption enabled by the THPS will reduce

the frequency of fuel resupply only if the Warfighter is confident of its capability. The

training conducted prior to deployment will result in TTPs with reduced fuel resupply

operations. The Warfighter would also be better trained to select the optimum hybrid

power configuration for specific METT-TC conditions: a tailored hybrid power system.

In the event of a deployment, units can deploy with THPS components from PDTE or

draw from pre-positioned stock. Industry can surge production and replenish training

stocks for follow-on units or support additional requirements in theater.

Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms employed remotely and away from the tactical grid should have their own Tailored Hybrid Power System solutions when they arrive in theater and join the fight.

The Warfighter will gain confidence on the effectiveness of his equipment only through proper training. The reduction in fuel consumption enabled by Tailored Hybrid Power System will reduce the frequency of fuel resupply only if the Warfighter is confident of its capability.


ConclusionThe 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review is the latest high-level document to emphasize

the importance of Operational Energy considerations and its impact on military

capability. DoD must not forget the energy security lessons learned from the past

decade-plus of engaging in the Global War on Terrorism. The pace of initiatives

advocating for an energy-informed culture in the military must increase and go

unimpeded despite budget cuts. The joint Army and Marine Corps effort to develop

MEHPS should be given high priority since culture change alone is not sufficient. The

Warfighter also needs equipment that can be tailored for requirements generated from

energy-informed decisions during mission analysis and operations planning. Tailored

hybrid power systems must be scalable, modular, autonomous, mobile, and rugged

to be effective.

There is growing call in Congress, the military, and industry for acquisition reform.

Today’s budget-restrained environment and the rapidly evolving nature of emerging

technologies to include hybrid power systems necessitate the increasing use of

a more agile acquisition process. The Warfighter currently engaged in operations

conducted in austere environments needs hybrid power systems now. Energy

and logistics will likely be constrained for the next major combat operation, so the

Warfighter must be trained to employ a tailored hybrid power system now. Utilizing

Agile Acquisition in the procurement of Tailored Hybrid Power System is the answer

that will best serve the United States and its Warfighters.

“We will actively seek innovative approaches to how we fight, how we posture our force, and how we leverage our asymmetric strengths and technological advantages. Innovation is paramount given the increasingly complex warfighting environment we expect to encounter.”

- 2014 Quadrennial Defense Review


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